Rule, Standard

Interesting Fact

Long before 規 became associated with rules and standards, the character was connected with a tool used to draw circles accurately. In ancient Chinese texts, 規 referred to a compass-like instrument for making circles. A perfect circle became a symbol of something measured according to a fixed standard. From this idea, 規 developed meanings related to standards, rules, and proper ways of doing things. So the connection is surprisingly visual: measure something precisely → establish a standard → create a rule.